General purpose tracks

ABSTRACT

A continuous track, for uses such as driving a vehicle over snow, ice, dirt, or the like, has a plurality of cross ridges which extend generally across the full width of the track. These cross ridges are of resilient material, and contain edged or pointed members embedded therein, so that when weight is put on the track, those cross ridges contacting the snow, ice, dirt or the like are compressed, exposing the pointed or edged members to dig into the snow, etc. The track includes at least one continuous band of inextensible material, such as fiberglass. The track may be made up of two or more side-by-side portions which are positioned together to form a complete track.

United States Patent 1191 Palmaer Dec. 18, 1973 [54] GENERAL PURPOSE TRACKS FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLlCATlONS [76] Inventor? Karl Palmaele 5643 Fair Oaks 824,043 9 1969 Canada 305/38 Blvd, Carmichael, Calif. 95608 [22] Filed: May 28, 1971 Primary ExaminerRichard J. Johnson pp No: 148,152 Attorney-Mellin et al.

Related US. Application Data 57] ABSTRACT [62] Division of Ser, No. 817,953. April 2|, 1969,

abandone A continuous track, for uses such as driving a vehicle over snow, ice, dirt, or the like, has a plurality of cross [52 us. 0. 305/38 ridges which extend generally across the full width of [51] Int. Cl. B62d 55/24 the track- These cross ridges are of resilient at 58 Field of Search 305/35 EB, 37, 38 and contain edged or pointed members embedded therein, so that when weight is put on the track, those [56] References Cit d cross ridges contacting the snow, ice, dirt or the like UNITED STATES PATENTS are compressed, exposing the pointed or edged members to dig into the snow', etc. The track includes at 32 1331232 if 53:323.;:1133:1:111""" '113113: 332133 least band of extensible materiel, 3:311,152 3/1967 Marzocchi 152 357 such as fiberglass' The track may be made up of two 3,477,767 11/1969 McNeil 305/38 of more side-by'side Portions which are Positioned 3,285,676 11 1966 Hetteen 305/38 gether to form a Complete 3,6l2,626 10/1971 Fuchs 305/38 3,674,322 7/1972 Huber 305/38 7 Clam, 7 Drawlng Flgures PATENTEUUEC 18 ms 3.779.617 saw 1 0r 2 '7 INVENTOR. KARL V. PALMAER ATTORNEYS PATENIEU um 18 ms SHLET 2 L? 2 INVEOR. KARL v. PALMAER .14 ATTORNEYS 76 GENERAL PURPOSE TRACKS CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is a division of patent application Ser. No. 817,953, filed Apr. 21 1969, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Generally, vehicles commonly include a continuous, or endless track, to drive themselves over snow, ice, or generally uneven terrain. In such cases, power is transmitted from the vehicle to the track, which bears on the supporting surface and drives the vehicle.

A particular track, for use with such vehicles, should fulfill a number of requirements. First, the track should provide great traction in all directions on a variety of surfaces. If this is provided, there will be proper forward traction, and a minimum of side slippage of the vehicle. Second, the track should be substantially inextensible', so that it keeps its proper configuration in use. Third, the track should have great strength in all directions. Fourth, the track should be durable. Fifth, the track should be disposed to properly receive power transmitted thereto from the vehicle for driving purposes. Sixth, the track should be adapted for use witha variety of vehicles and be effective for use on a variety of surfaces. Seventh, the track should be simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

Conventional tracks, while being designed with these requirements in mind, generally fall shortv in one or more of these areas.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a continuous track which, when fitted to a vehicle, provides proper traction in all directions over a variety of surfaces.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a continuous track which, while fulfilling the above object, is substantially inextensible, and has great strength in all directions.

It is a still further object of this invention to provide a continuous track, which, while fulfilling the above objects, is adaptable for use with a variety of vehicles, being designed to properly receive power transmitted thereto, meanwhile being quite simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Broadly stated, the inventive vehicle track comprises a trackbody defining a continuous band. A covering material is fixed to the outer surface of such continuous band and provides a continuous outer ground engaging surface. The covering material defines a plurality of cross ridges extending generally across the full width of the track body. Further included are means associated with each cross ridge comprising a generally elongated member embedded in that cross ridge and running from one end thereof to the other.

I BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 3 is a view similar to that of FIG. 2, but showing another embodiment of embedded means associated with the cross ridge;

FIG. 4 is a sectional elevation of a portion of the track of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the track;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a portion of the track of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Shown generally in FIG. 1 is a first embodiment of the track 10 having a track body 12. Such track body 12 includes inner and outer layers of fiberglass 14, 16, with an intermediate layer of fabric 18 of common material between them. (FIG. 4). These layers l4, 16, 18 form a continuous or endless band. Layers 20, 22 of resilient rubber compound are fixed to the outer or exposed surface of the outer layer 16, and to the exposed surface of the inner layer 14.

The rubber layer 20 provides a continuous or endless outer track body surface 24, and defines a plurality of cross ridges 26 extending generally across the full width of the track body 12. One of such cross ridges 26, and its associated structures, are shown clearly in FIG. 2.

Referring to that FIG. 2, a generally flat plate 28 is embedded in the cross ridge 26, and runs substantially from one end thereof to the other. A plurality of pins 30 extend through and from the plate 28 in generally perpendicular relation thereto. These pins 30 are also embedded in the cross ridge 26. The ends 30A of pins 30 become exposed when force is applied to cross ridge 26 toward those ends 30A.

Besides cross ridges 26, a variety of ridges, such as side ridges 32, ridges 34, and ridges 36 (FIG. 1) are defined by outer layer 16. A plurality of apertures 38 are provided in the track body 12 to receive the teeth of a gear of a drive mechanism fixed to a vehicle (not shown).

In the use of the track 10 thus far described, power is transmitted from a vehicle (not shown) to the track 10 through teeth in apertures 38. (The vehicle may be one of a variety of vehicles designed to travel over snow, ice, or general terrain.) The layers l4, 16 of fiberglass insure that the track body 12 is substantially inextensible. With cross ridges 26 contacting the surface 40 to be traveled over, the weight of the vehicle is placed thereon. In such situation, the ends 30A of the pins 30 become exposed, digging into the surface 40. Such ends 30A, of course, provide great traction in all directions. Aiding in providing traction are the side ridges 32, and ridges 34 and 36.

In addition, rubber layer 20 may contain nylon, fiberglass, or other fabrics suspended in small fiber parts which add strength to the track 10 in all directions. These small fibers give the rubber layer 20 a rough surface which contributes to its traction and driving capabilities. As the rubber layer 20 wears, these suspended fibers will be exposed in a random pattern, which will further contribute to increased traction without loss of strength of the track 10.

As an additional feature, on tracks to be used on ice, steel shavings may be compounded in or mixed with rubber layer 20; such shavings will provide great traction on ice, and may be used as an alternate to the plate-and-pin structure described, or may be used in addition thereto.

It will be understood that the plate 28 may be of a variety of materials, such as plastic or spring steel.

An alternate embodiment of a cross ridge and the embedded means associated therewith is shown in FIG. 3. Referring thereto, a generally flat plate 42 is embedded in the cross ridge 26, and runs substantially from one end thereof to the other. A plurality of curved blades 44 extend from the plate 42 in generally perpendicular relation thereto. These curved blades 44 are also embedded in the cross ridge 26. The edges 44A of the blades 44 are generally in an S-configuration, and become exposed when force is applied to the cross ridge 26 toward the edges 44A.

Similar to the previous embodiment, when weight is put on cross ridges 26 which bear on surface 40, the edges 44A become exposed to provide great traction on a surface, such as a hard-packed snow, in all directions.

It will be understood that plate 42 and blades 44 may be made from a continuous T-bar which may be made of metal such as aluminum, or plastic. In such case, the T-bar is cut and bent to provide individual blades 44.

Shown in FIGS. -7 is a second embodiment of the track 50, having a track body 52. Such track body 52 is made up of these side-by-side body portions 54, 56, 58. Each body portion includes inner and outer continuous bands of fiberglass and an intermediate layer of fabric, the same as shown in FIG. 4. These bands of fiberglass have fixed to their outer surfaces resilient rubber coverings 60, 62, 64 which together provide a generally continuous outer track body portion 66. The resilient covering defines a plurality of cross ridge portions 68,'the resilient cover 62 defines a plurality of cross ridge portions 70, and the resilient covering 64 defines a plurality of cross ridge portions 72. Aluminum, or other metal, tubes such as tubes 74, 76 (FIG.6 and FIG. 7) are embedded into the cross ridge portions 68, 70, 72.

To assemble such a track 50, a cross ridge portion 68 is aligned with a cross ridge portion 70 and a cross ridge portion 72 to define a cross ridge 78 extending generally across the full width of the track body 52. A steel (or other metal) bar 80 is disposed through the tubes embedded in those portions and fixed therein (FIGS. 6 and 7), meanwhile acting as a pin which connects links 82, 84 of a chain 86, in a gap 83 between body portions 54, 56. Another chain 88, similar to chain 86, is positioned in a gap 85 between body portions 56, 58, and bar 80 acts as a pin in that chain 84 also.

It will be understood that bars are associated with other cross ridges about the track body 52, to hold the body portions 54, 56, 58 in proper position and provide a connection for the chains 82, 84 to the track body 52.

In the use of this embodiment 50, sprockets of the drive mechanism of a vehicle (not shown) connect directly to the chains 86, 88 and apply power therethrough. The power is transferred from these chains 86, 88 to the bars, and then to the track body through the cross ridges thereof. Such means for applying power are quite superior to the apertures claimed in the previous embodiment, and have been found to be extremely capable of properly transferring a relatively large amount of power to the track body 52 for purposes of driving the vehicle.

It will be understood that the common fabric layer may also be fiberglass, further increasing the strength of either embodiment.

It will be seen that herein are provided tracks which, because of their particular configuration and structure, provide great traction in all directions on a variety of surfaces. The configuration and placement of the ridges of either embodiment are such that they will provide proper traction on virtually any surface. Each embodiment of track is substantially inextensible along its length, and is extremely strong in all directions.

Each embodiment of the track is capable of properly increasing power transmitted thereto from a vehicle, the embodiment incorporating chains being particularly able to properly handle a large amount of power. Each embodiment of the track can be easily adapted to a variety of vehicles and each embodiment, it will be seen, is extremely simple in design.

I claim:

1. A track body comprising:

a. first, second and third continuous bands in side by side relation, said first and second bands defining a first continuous gap therebetween, and said second and third bands defining a second continuous gap therebetween;

b. first, second and third coverings fixed to the outer surfaces of said first, second and third bands, respectively, the first, second and third coverings providing together a generally continuous outer track body surface, the first, second and third coverings each defining a plurality of cross ridge portions, each cross ridge portions of the first covering being aligned with a cross ridge portion of the second covering and of the third covering to define a cross ridge extending generally across the track body;

0. alignment means for aligning the first, second and third coverings to provide together the generally continuous outer track body surface, said alignment means comprising a plurality of rods, each rod being disposed through a different cross ridge made up of cross ridge portions of the first, second and third coverings; and

d. first and second continuous chains disposed in said first and second gaps, respectively, each of said plurality of rods of said alignment means linking a different pair of adjacent links of said chain.

2. A track body as claimed in claim 1 wherein said alignment means includes a plurality of metal tubes each embedded in a different one of said cross ridge portions of said first, second and third coverings and through which said rods are disposed.

3. An endless track having a substantially uniform width and being adapted to be moved in an endless path, said track comprising, an endless band-like body having a ground engaging surface, an endless chain spaced inwardly of the lateral edges of and interconnected with said body, said chain being comprised of a plurality of links, each of said links having an opening which is adapted to receive therethrough an associated tooth of a drive sprocket used to drive said track, each of said links having opposed end portions overlapping with cooperating end portions of adjoining links, and a reinforcing member extending through said overlapping end portions and extending substantially completely across said width, said reinforcing members providing optimum lateral stability for said track, yet assuring longitudinal flexibility.

4. A track as set forth in claim 3 in which each reinforcing member comprises a rod-like member.

5. An endless track having a substantially uniform width and being adapted to be moved in an endless path, said track comprising, an endless band-like body having a ground engaging surface, an endless chain assembly spaced inwardly of the lateral edges of and interconnected with said body and being comprised of a plurality of spaced endless chains, each chain having a plurality of links, with each of said links having an opening therein which is adapted to receive therethrough an associated tooth of a drive sprocket used to drive said track, each of said links having opposed end forcing member comprises a rod-like member. 

1. A track body comprising: a. first, second and third continuous bands in side by side relation, said first and second bands defining a first continuous gap therebetween, and said second and third bands defining a second continuous gap therebetween; b. first, second and third coverings fixed to the outer surfaces of said first, second and third bands, respectively, the first, second and third coverings providing together a generally continuous outer track body surface, the first, second and third coverings each defining a plurality of cross ridge portions, each cross ridge portions of the first covering being aligned with a cross ridge portion of the second covering and of the third covering to define a cross ridge extending generally across the track body; c. alignment means for aligning the first, second and third coverings to provide together the generally continuous outer track body surface, said alignment means comprising a plurality of rods, each rod being disposed through a different cross ridge made up of cross ridge portions of the first, second and third coverings; and d. first and second continuous chains disposed in said first and second gaps, respectively, each of said plurality of rods of said alignment means linking a different pair of adjacent links of said chain.
 2. A track body as claimed in claim 1 wherein said alignment means includes a plurality of metal tubes each embedded in a different one of said cross ridge portions of said first, second and third coverings and through which said rods are disposed.
 3. An endless track having a substantially uniform width and being adapted to be moved in an endless path, said track comprising, an endless band-like body having a ground engaging surface, an endless chain spaced inwardly of the lateral edges of and interconnected with said body, said chain being comprised of a plurality of links, each of said links having an opening which is adapted to receive therethrough an associated tooth of a drive sprocket used to drive said track, each of said links having opposed end portions overlapping with cooperating end portions of adjoining links, and a reinforcing member extending through said overlapping end portions and extending substantially completely across said width, said reinforcing members providing optimum lateral stability for said track, yet assuring longitudinal flexibility.
 4. A track as set forth in claim 3 in which each reinforcing member comprises a rod-like member.
 5. An endless track having a substantially uniform width and being adapted to be moved in an endless path, said track comprising, an endless band-like body having a ground engaging surface, an endless chain assembly spaced inwardly of the lateral edges of and interconnected with said body and being comprised of a plurality of spaced endless chains, each chain having a plurality of links, with each of said links having an opening therein which is adapted to receive therethrough an associated tooth of a drive sprocket used to drive said track, each of said links having opposed end portions overlapping with cooperating end portions of adjoining links, and a plurality of reinforcing members extending through said overlapping end portions and extending substantially completely across said width, said reinforcing members providing optimum lateral stability for said track yet assuring longitudinal flexibility.
 6. A track as set forth in claim 5 in which said reinforcing member is fixed to corresponding end portions of associated links in each endless chain and each reinforcing member extends substantially perpendicular to said endless path.
 7. A track as set forth in claim 6 in which each reinforcing member comprises a rod-like member. 